Athletes
Athletes are the heart of Special Olympics. Our athletes are children and adults with intellectual disabilities from all around the world—5.6 million and counting! They are finding success, joy and friendship as part of our global community. They're also having lots of fun!
Special Olympics Canada Athlete Excels in Gym & Kitchen
Special Olympics Canada athlete Michael Bandler, a four-time SO World Games medalist, has a passion for the culinary arts and uses his skills in the kitchen to help him train.
2 Min Read
Isaac’s Story: Athlete Advocate for the WHO QualityRights Initiative in Ghana
For many years, there have been human-rights violations—plus inadequate care and support—that deeply affected the lives of people with intellectual disabilities in Ghana.
1 Min Read
Athlete Finds Health, Motivation in Virtual Fitness
Amber Gertsch has a passion for everything she does—taking care of her red-tail hawk, sword-fighting, being an emergency medical technician—but some things stand out more than others.
2 Min Read
Healthy Athletes Gives Xu Better Footing for Sports, Life
Xu has always been ready to try—even if things get tough. He was born with cerebral palsy, so sometimes it took him a little longer to reach his growth milestones. But Xu, who was born in Inner Mongolia, didn't give up.
1 Min Read
Thea Weinert Forms Bond with UNC Gymnastics Team, Gains a Newfound Level of Confidence
Thea Weinert loves to do backflips. The 12-year-old especially loves it when her teammates at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill help her. “I love to hang out with the girls,” Weinert says. “Gymnastics is one of my favorite sports because of the girls—and it just makes me happy seeing them.”
2 Min Read
The College Football Hall of Fame Honors Special Olympics Athlete Caden Cox
His No. 21 Hocking College football uniform—a nod to the 21st chromosome associated with Down syndrome—is folded neatly in a standalone display.
3 Min Read
More than an IRONMAN
In a new documentary, Chris Nikic takes you behind the scenes to see how he balances training, community and his personal life.
1 Min Read
Portrait of a Health Leader: Meet Herith
Herith Suleiman deeply understands the needs of people with intellectual disabilities. Why? Because Herith himself has intellectual disabilities.
1 Min Read
Senegal Athletes Lead Workshops on Handwashing, Hygiene
This work is crucial, especially in the continuing fight to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
1 Min Read
From Fear of Sports to Health Through Sports: Fahsai’s Story
When Fahsai Saejang was born, her diagnosis—Down Syndrome and a hole in her heart—came as a shock.
1 Min Read
International Women’s Day: Celebrating the Accomplishments of Emanuelle “Manu” Dutra Fernandes de Souza
Emanuelle Dutra Fernandes de Souza, better known as “Manu,” is a 24-year-old Special Olympics Brazil athlete who embodies the spirit of inclusion.
2 Min Read
Special Olympics USA Games to Host Equestrian Competition for First Time in 2022
Ahead of the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games, equestrian athletes from around the North America Region care for the horses at their home stables. Everything it takes to get a horse ready to ride, the athlete will do.
4 Min Read